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Why is my baby crying so much — could it be colic?
Colic is lots of crying in a healthy baby under 5 months. It usually stops by 3 to 4 months.
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What it is
Excessive crying can be a sign that your baby has colic [1]. This sometimes happens in babies who are under 5 months old [1]. Everyone agrees that colic exists, but nobody knows what causes it [1]. Some doctors think it is a kind of stomach cramp [1]. The crying sounds miserable and distressed, and stops for a moment or two, then starts up again, which suggests it could be caused by waves of stomach pain [1]. The crying can go on for some hours [1].
Your baby may have colic if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week but are otherwise healthy [7]. They may cry more often in the afternoon and evening [7]. It can start when a baby is a few weeks old, and it usually stops by the time they are 3 to 4 months old [7].
It is not known exactly what causes some babies to get colic [10]. It may be because babies find it harder to digest food when they are young, or they may be crying because they have problems with food allergies, such as a cows’ milk allergy [10].
All babies cry, and some more than others [2]. The amount babies cry tends to increase when they are around 2 weeks old and then gradually reduces at around 3 months old [2].
What you can do at home
Your baby does not usually need to see a doctor if they have colic [9]. Remedies for colic, such as anti-colic drops, herbal or probiotic supplements, are available from pharmacies and some shops, but they are not recommended and there is no evidence they help colic [9].
Things that are usually advised to soothe your baby [9]:
- Hold or cuddle your baby when they are crying a lot [9].
- Sit or hold your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air [9].
- Wind your baby after feeds [9].
- Gently rock your baby over your shoulder [9].
- Gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram [9].
- Bath your baby in a warm bath [9].
- Have some gentle white noise like the radio or TV in the background to distract them [9].
- Keep feeding your baby as usual — you do not need to make any changes to your diet if you are breastfeeding [9].
Other ideas to comfort your baby [5]:
- If you are breastfeeding, let your baby suckle at your breast [5].
- Hold your baby or put them in a sling so they are close to you [5].
- Move about gently, sway and dance, talk to them and sing [5].
- Go out for a walk or a drive. But if they fall asleep during a drive, take them out of their car seat as soon as possible and put them on a firm, flat surface to sleep [5].
- Try stroking your baby’s back gently up and down while you are holding them against you [5].
Do not try putting gentle pressure to your baby’s spine (spinal manipulation) or skull (cranial osteopathy) — there is little evidence this works, and it may hurt your baby [8].
There may be times when you are so tired and angry you feel like you cannot take any more [6]. This happens to a lot of parents, so do not be ashamed to ask for help [6]. If you do not have anyone who can take care of your baby for a short time and the crying is making you stressed, put your baby in their cot or pram, make sure they are safe, close the door, go into another room and try to calm yourself down. Set a time limit — for example, 10 minutes — then go back [6]. Never shake your baby: no matter how frustrated you feel, you must never shake your baby. Shaking moves their head violently and can cause brain damage [6].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
If your baby is crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry, it can be a sign they are ill [4]. Contact your doctor if they have signs of being unwell, such as a high temperature or they are not interested in feeding [4].
See your doctor if [8]:
- You are worried about your baby’s crying [8].
- Your baby has colic and nothing seems to be working [8].
- You are finding it hard to cope [8].
- Your baby is not growing or putting on weight as expected [8].
- Your baby still has symptoms of colic after 4 months of age [8].
Go to the emergency department or call your local emergency number if your baby [4][8]:
- Has a fit (seizure or convulsion) [4].
- Has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue — on brown and black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet [4].
- Is unresponsive, floppy or not waking up as easily as usual [4].
- Has difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), is breathless or breathing very fast [4].
- Is being violently sick a lot (projectile vomiting) [4].
- Has a high or low temperature [4].
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press it [4].
- Has not had a wet nappy in the past 8 hours [4].
- Has a weak or high-pitched cry [8].
- Has a cry that does not sound like their normal cry [8].
Trust your instincts. You know what is different or worrying behaviour in your baby [4].
Common questions
Could it be something else? There are other reasons why your baby may be crying. It could be they are hungry, have a dirty nappy, have wind, have reflux or have constipation [7]. If you are not sure what is wrong, it is best to speak to your health visitor or see a doctor to be sure [7].
My baby cries during feeds — is that colic? Some babies cry and seem unsettled around the time of a feed [3]. If you are breastfeeding, improving your baby’s positioning and attachment may help them settle [3]. Crying during feeds can sometimes be a symptom of reflux in babies, a common condition where babies bring up milk after feeds [3]. Speak to your health visitor or doctor for more information and advice [3].
Will my baby need medicine? Your baby does not usually need to see a doctor if they have colic [9]. Anti-colic drops, herbal or probiotic supplements are not recommended and there is no evidence they help colic [9]. Speak to your health visitor for advice and support [9].
How long does it last? It usually stops by the time your baby is 3 to 4 months old [7].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Soothing a crying baby” (2026), section “Colic”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/ [2] NHS — “Soothing a crying baby” (2026), section “Soothing a crying baby”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/ [3] NHS — “Soothing a crying baby” (2026), section “Crying during feeds”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/ [4] NHS — “Soothing a crying baby” (2026), section “Crying and illness”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/ [5] NHS — “Soothing a crying baby” (2026), section “How to calm a crying baby”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/ [6] NHS — “Soothing a crying baby” (2026), section “Getting help with a crying baby”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/ [7] NHS — “Colic” (2022), section “Symptoms of colic”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/ [8] NHS — “Colic” (2022), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/ [9] NHS — “Colic” (2022), section “Things you can try to soothe your baby”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/ [10] NHS — “Colic” (2022), section “Causes of colic”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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